The World Jewelry Confederation (CIBJO) has published its new special report in the series timed for 2024 CIBJO Congress in Shanghai in November, which proposes using the Gemmological Laboratories Blue Book as guidance for best practices in this field.
The report was prepared by the CIBJO Gemmological Commission, headed by Hanco Zwaan, who hinted at international listing of laboratories that comply with CIBJO’s standards.
“In its entirety, the Gemmological Laboratories Blue Book spells out what is required to establish a reliable and responsible gem lab, and it lists the testing methods and expertise required to enable such a body to operate effectively,” Zwaan writes.
According to CIBJO, there is no regulation for gem labs in most countries. In the absence of unified methodologies and standards, some laboratories can be less trustworthy than others which puts both the industry and consumers at risk.
The Blue Book on grading informs on management and technical formailities, ensuring that the lab can demonstrably work independently, impartially, and without any conflicts of interest. It also details the many elements that determine the correctness and reliability of testing and grading that typically will be undertaken by a gemmological laboratory.
According to Zwaan, the Gemmological Commisison will discuss the possibility of creating a mechanism by which laboratories that comply with Blue Book standards will receive a “CIBJO Acknowledgement of Gemmological Laboratories,” and be listed alongside other bodies that have earned such recognition.
Theodor Lisovoy, Managing Editor, Rough&Polished
